Cable holder assemblies for a solar panel system

ABSTRACT

Wire or cable holder assemblies employed in a solar power system are disclosed. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a cap and a base configured with channels. When the cap and the base are clamped to an object (e.g., a solar module frame), enclosures defined by the channels and a surface of the solar frame module are formed to hold cables. In some embodiments, an assembly could include a plunger with at least one leg and a base that includes a receptacle for receiving the plunger and a hook for holding electrical cables. A leg include a rack having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed by complementary teeth of a pawl found in the receptacle that forms a ratchet which permits insertion of the plunger into the receptacle but not an extraction. If extraction is desired, an external force may be applied to release the pawl.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 16/189,212, filed on Nov. 13, 2018, andclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/585,230, filed Nov. 13, 2017, both of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Electricity-generating solar panels may be employed separately orgrouped in an array. To hold each solar panel, a solar panel module maybe employed which, in turn, may be mounted to an installation surfaceusing surface mount assemblies. Because solar panels generateelectricity, electrical cables may be used to deliver the electricity toan electrical power component and/or system for subsequent use. When anumber of solar panel modules are installed in array, there are numerouselectrical wires or cables present that are located above theinstallation surface that, without a wire or cable management system,may meander or run sporadically in numerous directions above, below,and/or within the array or end up in a messy entanglement of wires.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to awire or cable management system utilizing cable holder assemblies, acomponent mounting assembly, and/or cable support placed on solar panelmodules. When employed, these may provide a structured and/or orderedmanner in which electrical cables may be routed to prevent or reducecables from meandering or running in numerous directions above, below,and/or within the array of solar panel module or end up in a messyentanglement of wires.

In one aspect, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed hereinare directed to a first cable holder assembly. The first cable holderassembly could include a cap, a base with one or more channels, and adevice for coupling the cap to the base. Together with a surface of anobject, an enclosure for each channel(s) is formed when covered by asurface of an object.

In a further aspect, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosedherein are directed to a plurality of second cable holder assemblies.Each second cable holder assembly could include a plunger with a cap anda leg component extending from the cap; and a base comprised of areceptacle and at least one hook. The leg component could include a rackof teeth, and the receptacle could include a pawl with teeth and receivean insertion of the leg component.

In a further aspect, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosedherein are directed to a component mounting assembly. The componentmounting assembly could include a lower body having a pivoting endenclosure and a slot-forming member, an upper body having pivoting andclamping ends, and a device for coupling the lower body to the upperbody. The pivoting end enclosure could receive the pivoting end, theslot-forming member and a surface of the lower body could form a slotfor receiving an interfacing component, and the clamping could clamp theinterfacing component to the lower body when a clamping force isimparted by the coupling device.

In a further aspect, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosedherein are directed to a cable support. The cable support could includea member having a channel and a pair of outer portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the inventive embodiments, reference ismade to the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates two orientations of a frame cable holder assembly,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 1B illustrates two perspective views and two exploded views of theframe cable holder assembly, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates one perspective view and two side views of a secondcable holder assembly, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3A illustrates three perspective views of a third cable holderassembly, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3B illustrates two side views of the third cable holder assembly,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4A illustrates three perspective views of a fourth cable holderassembly, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4B illustrates three side views of the fourth cable holderassembly, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5A illustrates three perspective views of a fifth cable holderassembly, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5B illustrates two side views of the fifth cable holder assembly,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6A illustrates three perspective views of a sixth cable holderassembly, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6B illustrates two side views of the sixth cable holder assembly,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7A illustrates three perspective views of a seventh cable holderassembly, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7B illustrates two side views of the seventh cable holder assembly,in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates four perspective views of eighth cable holderassembly, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate one perspective view and one side view of asolar component mounting system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 9C through 9F illustrate one perspective view, one top view, andtwo side views of the solar component mounting system, in accordancewith some embodiments; and

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate one perspective view and one side view of awire formed into a wire hook, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, several specific details are presented toprovide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein. One skilled in the relevant art willrecognize, however, that embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosedherein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, orin combination with other components, etc. In other instances,well-known implementations or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obscuring aspects of various embodiments of theinventive concepts disclosed herein

FIG. 1A illustrates two orientations of frame clamping system 100 tofacilitate a placement of one or more electrical cables 102 and/or 104within an array or grouping of solar modules. Each solar module couldinclude electricity-generating solar panel 106 supported by and enclosedon the sides module frame 108 having upper member 108 c, vertical member108 d, and lower member 108 e. Upper corner 108 f is formed along aninner intersection of upper member 108 c and vertical member 108 d, anda lower corner 108 g is formed along an inner intersection of verticalmember 108 d and lower member 108 e. First cable holder assembly 120 mayinclude cap 121, base 122, and fastener 123 and employed to clamp orsupport cables 102 or 104 near or against module frame 108. Cables 102run parallel to module frame 108 in a first orientation of frameclamping system 100; in a second orientation, cables 104 runperpendicular to module frame 108.

FIG. 1B illustrates two perspective views and two exploded views ofcable holder assembly 120. Cap 121 could include horizontal member 121 awith aperture 121 b and three vertical members 121 c, 121 d, and 121 eforming a U-shaped channel and extending away (downward) from horizontalmember 121 a in a substantially perpendicular direction. Horizontalmember 121 a could include upper surface 121 f and lower surfaces 121 gand 121 h separated by intersecting vertical surface 122 i, where theintersection of lower surface 122 g and vertical surface 122 i formsupper corner 122 j spanning the intersection.

When cable holder assembly 120 is clamped to module frame 108, uppercorner 108 f of module frame 108 may be placed against upper corner 122j during the tightening of fastener 123 until lower surface 121 gengages upper member 108 c with a suitable amount of clamping force.

Base 122 could include horizontal member 122 a with aperture 122 b andthree vertical members 122 c, 122 d, and 122 e forming a U-shapedchannel and extending away (upward) from horizontal member 122 a in asubstantially perpendicular direction. Horizontal member 122 a couldinclude lower surfaces 122 f through 122 k, inclusive, that aresubstantially-planar to one another; upper surfaces 122 l and 122 m;vertical surface 122 n in between lower surfaces 122 g and 122 l;vertical surface 122 o in between lower surfaces 122 k and 122 m; andsides 122 p through 122 t, inclusive. The vertical member 122 c and 122e could include vertical surfaces 122 p and 122 q, respectively, whichare substantially-planar to one another, vertical surface 122 n andvertical surface 122 o.

Horizontal member 122 a could include three channels. A first channeldefined by ends 122 u and 122 v may be a depression running the lengthof side 122 r that is formed below and between lower surfaces 122 f and122 g, lower surfaces 122 h and 122 i, and lower surfaces 122 j and 122k. A second channel defined by ends 122 w and 122 x may be a depressionrunning the length of side 122 s that is formed, in part, below andbetween lower surfaces 122 f and 122 h and lower surfaces 122 g and 122i. A third channel defined by ends 122 y and 122 z may be a depressionrunning the length of side 122 t that is formed, in part, below andbetween lower surfaces 122 h and 122 j and lower surfaces 122 i and 122k. Each of the channel depressions could be, for example, roundedchannels located and designed with a contour designed to support one ormore cables when cable holder assembly 120 is clamped to module frame108.

When cable holder assembly 120 is applied to module frame 108 in thefirst orientation, cables 102 are placed within first channel 122 u-122v during the tightening of fastener 123 and lower corner 108 g of moduleframe 108 is placed against the intersections of lower surface 122 g andvertical surface 122 n forming a first corner; lower surface 122 i andvertical surface 122 p forming a second corner; lower surface 122 i andvertical surface 122 q forming a third corner; and lower surface 122 kand vertical surface 122 o forming a fourth corner until lower member108 e of module frame 108 engages lower surfaces 122 f through 122 k,inclusive, of horizontal member 122 a with a suitable amount of clampingforce to enclose cables 102 within an enclosure formed by first channel122 u-122 v and lower member 108 e of module frame 108.

When cable holder assembly 120 is applied to module frame 108 in thesecond orientation, one or both cables 104 are placed within secondchannel 122 w-122 x and/or third channel 122 y-122 z during thetightening of fastener 123 and lower corner 108 g of module frame 108 isplaced against the four corners of the preceding paragraph until lowermember 108 e of module frame 108 engages lower surfaces 122 f through122 k, inclusive, of horizontal member 122 a with a suitable amount ofclamping force to enclose cables 104 within enclosures formed betweensecond channel 122 w-122 x and/or third channel 122 y-122 z and lowermember 108 e of module frame 108.

FIG. 2 illustrates one perspective view and two side views of a secondcable holder assembly 200 for placing a cable holder between adjacentmodule frames 108 a and 108 b (FIG. 10B) to facilitate a running for oneor more electrical cables 102/104 (FIG. 1A) within an array or groupingof solar modules. Cable holder assembly 200 may include plunger 201 andbase 202.

Plunger 201 could include cap 201 a, stops 201 ba and 201 bb, verticalleg 201 c, and gap 201 d. Cap 201 a includes lower surfaces 201 fa and201 fb outward of stops 201 ba and 201 bb, respectively. Vertical leg201 c extends away from cap 201 a in a substantially perpendiculardirection. Gap 201 d is designed for an insertion of aplunger-disengagement tool through which a downward force may be appliedto pawl 202 d, allowing for an extraction of plunger 201 from base 202.Lower surfaces 201 fa and 201 fb are designed to engage each uppermember 108 c of module frames 108 a and 108 b when cable holder assembly200 is placed between module frames 108 a and 108 b. Stops 201 ba and201 bb extend away from cap 201 a in a substantially perpendiculardirection and are designed for placement between module frames 108 a and108 b. In some embodiments, stops 201 ba and 201 bb are configured tofrictionally engage sides of module frames 108 a and 108 b.

A portion of vertical leg 201 c includes rack 201 g having teeth adaptedto fall into notches or spaces formed by complementary teeth of pawl 202d to form ratchet 202 e for permitting motion or mobility of plunger 201in only one direction. In some embodiments, the teeth form a sawtoothsurface having numerous diagonals surfaces between horizontal surfacesthat are substantially parallel to cap 201 a to engage a complementarysawtooth surface of pawl 202 d.

Base 202 could be defined with upper side 202 a, lower side 202 b, outerside 202 c, and pawl 202 d, the latter having teeth adapted to fall intonotches or spaces formed by complementary teeth of rack 201 g. Whenengaged with each other, pawl 202 d and a complementary portion of rack201 g form ratchet 202 e for permitting motion in only one direction,i.e., an insertion of plunger 201 into base 202. To enable motion in theopposite direction, a plunger-disengagement tool may be inserted intogap 201 d to engage pawl 202. As a downward force is applied to thetool, pawl 202 d is forced away from rack 201 g, allowing for extractionof plunger 201 from base 202.

Base 202 could include hook 203 and receptacle 204 designed to accept aninsertion of vertical leg 201 c of plunger 201. Receptacle 204 islocated in between of outer side 202 c and hook 203. In someembodiments, receptacle 204 could be defined with a rectangular openingextending between and substantially perpendicular to upper side 202 aand lower side 202 b.

When cable holder assembly 200 is placed between module frames 108 a and108 b, plunger 201 is inserted into receptacle 204 while lower surfaces201 fa and 201 fb of cap 201 a are placed on each upper surface 108 a ofmodule frames 108 a and 108 b; during the insertion, stops 201 ba and201 bb and upper side 202 a of base 202 are held in position betweenmodule frames 108 a and 108 b. As plunger 201 is being inserted, pawl202 d contacts complementary teeth of a portion of rack 201 g as rack201 g begins to pass by until the insertion is stopped when hook 203reaches its desired position to receive and support one or moreelectrical cables.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate three perspective views and two side views ofthird cable holder assembly 300 for placement between adjacent moduleframes 108 a and 108 b to facilitate a running for one or moreelectrical cables 102/104 within an array or grouping of solar modules.Cable holder assembly 300 may include plunger 301 and base 302.

Plunger 301 could include cap 301 a, stops 301 ba and 301 bb, and a legcomponent which includes inner vertical leg 301 c, outer vertical leg301 d, and intersecting vertical leg 301 e. Cap 301 a includes lowersurfaces 301 fa and 301 fb outward of stops 301 ba and 301 bb. Stops 301ba and 301 bb extend away from cap 301 a in a substantiallyperpendicular direction and are designed for placement between moduleframes 108 a and 108 b. In some embodiments, stops 301 ba and 301 bb areconfigured to fictionally engage sides of module frames 108 a and 108 bwhen placed between module frames 108 a and 108 b.

Inner vertical leg 301 c, outer vertical leg 301 d, and intersectingvertical leg 301 e form a generally H-shaped member extending away fromcap 301 a in a substantially perpendicular direction and substantiallyparallel to stops 301 ba and 301 bb. Inner and outer vertical legs 301 cand 301 d may run substantially parallel to one another andsubstantially perpendicular to vertical leg 301 e that extends inbetween inner and outer vertical legs 301 c and 301 d.

A portion of an outer surface of outer vertical leg 301 d includes rack301 g having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed bycomplementary teeth of pawl 302 d that form a ratchet when engaged witheach other (not shown) for permitting motion or mobility of plunger 301in only one direction. In some embodiments, the teeth form a sawtoothsurface having numerous diagonals surfaces between horizontal surfacesthat are substantially parallel to cap 301 a to engage a complementarysawtooth surface of pawl 302 d.

Base 302 could be defined with upper side 302 a configured with ridge302 f, lower side 302 b, and outer side 302 c configured with pawl 302d, the latter having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formedby complementary teeth of rack 301 g. Pawl 302 d and a complementaryportion of rack 301 g form a ratchet when engaged with each other (notshown) for permitting motion in only one direction, i.e., an insertionof plunger 301 into base 302. To enable motion in the oppositedirection, pawl 302 d includes tab 302 e extending outwardly from outerside 302 c. A force applied to tab 302 e from above moves pawl 302 daway from rack 301 g, allowing for extraction of plunger 301 from base302.

Base 302 could include hook 303 and H-shaped receptacle 304 designed toaccept an insertion of vertical legs 301 c, 301 d, and 301 e. Receptacle304 is located outward of upper side 302 a and hook 303. Receptacle 304is defined by a substantially H-shaped cross-section and includes threeopenings 304 a, 304 b, and 304 c extending between and substantiallyperpendicular to upper side 302 a and lower side 302 b. As shown, ridge302 f protrudes into opening 304 a, and teeth of pawl 302 d protrudeinto opening 304 b. When plunger 301 is inserted into base 302, apinching force is imparted on both inner vertical leg 301 c and outervertical leg 301 d between ridge 302 f and the teeth of pawl 302 d.

When cable holder assembly 300 is placed between module frames 108 a and108 b, plunger 301 is inserted into receptacle 304 while lower surfaces301 fa and 301 fb of cap 301 a are placed above each upper surface 108 cof module frames 108 a and 108 b; during the insertion, stops 301 ba and301 bb and upper side 302 a of base 302 are held in position betweenmodule frames 108 a and 108 b. As plunger 301 is being inserted, pawl302 d contacts complementary teeth of a portion of rack 301 g as rack301 g begins to pass by until the insertion is stopped when hook 303reaches its desired position to receive and support one or moreelectrical cables.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate three perspective views and three side viewsof fourth cable holder assembly 400 for placement between adjacentmodule frames 108 a and 108 b to facilitate a running for one or moreelectrical cables 102/104 within an array or grouping of solar modules.Cable holder assembly 400 may include plunger 401 and base 402.

Plunger 401 could include cap 401 a, stops 401 ba and 401 bb, and a legcomponent which includes inner vertical leg 401 c, outer vertical leg401 d, and intersecting vertical leg 401 e. Cap 401 a includes lowersurfaces 401 fa and 401 fb outward of stops 401 ba and 401 bb. Stops 401ba and 401 bb extend away from cap 301 a in a substantiallyperpendicular direction and are designed for placement between moduleframes 108 a and 108 b. In some embodiments, stops 401 ba and 401 bb areconfigured to fictionally engage sides of module frames 108 a and 108 bwhen placed between module frames 108 a and 108 b.

Inner vertical leg 401 c, outer vertical leg 401 d, and intersectingvertical leg 401 e form a generally H-shaped member extending away fromcap 401 a in a substantially perpendicular direction and substantiallyparallel to stops 401 ba and 401 bb. Inner and outer vertical legs 401 cand 401 d may run substantially parallel to one another andsubstantially perpendicular to vertical leg 401 e that extends inbetween inner and outer vertical legs 401 c and 401 d.

A portion of an outer surface of outer vertical leg 401 d includes rack401 g having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed bycomplementary teeth of pawl 402 d that form a ratchet when engaged witheach other (not shown) for permitting motion or mobility of plunger 401in only one direction. In some embodiments, the teeth form a sawtoothsurface having numerous diagonals surfaces between horizontal surfacesthat are substantially parallel to cap 401 a to engage a complementarysawtooth surface of pawl 402 d.

Base 402 could be defined with upper side 402 a configured with ridge402 f, lower side 402 b, upper outer side 402 c, and lower outer side402 f separated from upper outer side 402 c by horizontal surface 402 gsubstantially perpendicular to both. Upper outer side 402 c may beconfigured with pawl 402 d having teeth adapted to fall into notches orspaces formed by complementary teeth of rack 401 g. When engaged witheach other (not shown), pawl 402 d and a complementary portion of rack401 g form a ratchet for permitting motion in only one direction, i.e.,an insertion of plunger 401 into base 402. To enable motion in theopposite direction, a force applied to pawl 402 d from above moves pawl402 d away from rack 401 g, allowing for a disengagement of pawl 402 dfrom a complementary portion of rack 401 g and an extraction of plunger401 from base 402.

Base 402 could include hook 403 and tiered receptacle 404 having upperreceptacle with an upper opening 404 e and a contiguous, lowerreceptacle with a lower opening 404 f. Receptacle 404 is located inwardof upper and lower outer sides 402 c and 402 f, and outward of hook 403.Lower opening 404 f is narrower than upper opening 404 e so that thelower receptacle accommodates an insertion of vertical legs 401 c, 401d, and 401 e, and upper opening 404 e is wider so that the upperreceptacle accommodates not only an insertion of vertical legs 401 c,401 d, and 401 e but also an inward protrusion of pawl 402 d into theupper receptacle as well as an insertion of a plunger-disengagement toolfor disengaging pawl 402 d from a complementary portion of rack 401 gwhen plunger 401 is extracted from base 402; pawl 402 d extends inwardlyor protrudes into the upper receptacle to a location that facilitatesboth the engagement and disengagement actions.

When cable holder assembly 400 is placed between module frames 108 a and108 b, plunger 401 is inserted into receptacle 404 while lower surfaces401 fa and 401 fb of cap 401 a are placed above each upper surface 108 cof module frames 108 a and 108 b; during the insertion, stops 401 ba and401 bb and upper side 402 a of base 402 are held in position betweenmodule frames 108 a and 108 b. As plunger 401 is being inserted, pawl402 d contacts complementary teeth of a portion of rack 401 g as rack401 g begins to pass by until the insertion is stopped when hook 403reaches its desired position to receive and support one or moreelectrical cables.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate three perspective views and two side views offifth cable holder assembly 500 for placement between adjacent moduleframes 108 a and 108 b to facilitate a running for one or moreelectrical cables 102/104 within an array or grouping of solar modules.Cable holder assembly 500 may include plunger 501 and base 502.

Plunger 501 could include cap 501 a, stops 501 ba and 501 bb, and a legcomponent which includes inner vertical leg 301 c, outer vertical leg301 d, and intersecting vertical leg 301 e. Cap 301 a includes lowersurfaces 501 fa and 501 fb outward of stops 501 ba and 501 bb. Stops 501ba and 501 bb extend away from cap 301 a in a substantiallyperpendicular direction and are designed for placement between moduleframes 108 a and 108 b. In some embodiments, stops 501 ba and 501 bb areconfigured to fictionally engage sides of module frames 108 a and 108 bwhen placed between module frames 108 a and 108 b.

Inner vertical leg 501 c, outer vertical leg 501 d, and intersectingvertical leg 501 e form a generally H-shaped member extending away fromcap 501 a in a substantially perpendicular direction and substantiallyparallel to stops 501 ba and 501 bb. Inner and outer vertical legs 501 cand 501 d may run substantially parallel to one another andsubstantially perpendicular to vertical leg 501 e that extends inbetween inner and outer vertical legs 501 c and 501 d.

A portion of an outer surface of outer vertical leg 501 d includes rack501 g having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed bycomplementary teeth of pawl 502 d that form a ratchet when engaged witheach other (not shown) for permitting motion or mobility of plunger 501in only one direction. In some embodiments, the teeth form a sawtoothsurface having numerous diagonals surfaces between horizontal surfacesthat are substantially parallel to cap 501 a to engage a complementarysawtooth surface of pawl 502 d.

Base 502 could be defined with upper side 502 a, lower side 502 b, andouter side 502 c configured with pawl 502 d, the latter having teethadapted to fall into notches or spaces formed by complementary teeth ofrack 501 g. Pawl 502 d and a complementary portion of rack 501 g form aratchet when engaged with each other (not shown) for permitting motionin only one direction, i.e., an insertion of plunger 501 into base 502.To enable motion in the opposite direction, pawl 502 d includes tab 502e extending outwardly from outer side 502 c. A generally upward forceapplied to tab 502 e moves pawl 502 d away from rack 501 g, allowing forextraction of plunger 501 from base 502.

Base 502 could include hook 503 and H-shaped receptacle 504 designed toaccept an insertion of vertical legs 501 c, 501 d, and 501 e. Receptacle504 is located inward of outer side 502 c and outward of hook 503.Receptacle 504 is defined by a substantially H-shaped cross-section andincludes three openings 504 a, 504 b, and 504 c extending between andsubstantially perpendicular to upper side 502 a and lower side 502 b. Insome embodiments, a ridge (e.g., ridge 302 f of FIG. 3A) may protrudeinto opening 504 a, and teeth of pawl 502 d protrude into opening 504 b.When plunger 501 is inserted into base 502, a pinching force is impartedon both inner vertical leg 501 c and outer vertical leg 501 d betweenthe ridge and the teeth of pawl 502 d.

When cable holder assembly 500 is applied to module frame 108, plunger501 is inserted into receptacle 504 while lower surfaces 501 fa and 501fb of cap 501 a are placed above each upper surface 108 c of moduleframes 108 a and 108 b; during the insertion, stops 501 ba and 501 bband upper side 502 a of base 502 are held in position between moduleframes 108 a and 108 b. As plunger 501 is being inserted, pawl 502 dcontacts complementary teeth of a portion of rack 501 g as rack 501 gbegins to pass by until the insertion is stopped when hook 503 reachesits desired position to receive and support one or more electricalcables.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate three perspective views and two side views ofsixth cable holder assembly 600 for placement between adjacent moduleframes 108 a and 108 b to facilitate a running for one or moreelectrical cables 102/104 within an array or grouping of solar modules.Cable holder assembly 600 may include plunger 601 and base 602.

Plunger 601 could include cap 601 a, stop 601 b, a leg component whichincludes inner vertical leg 601 c, outer vertical leg 601 d,intersecting vertical leg 601 e, and aperture 601 g. Cap 601 a includeslower surfaces 601 fa and 601 fb outward of stop 601 b. Stop 601 bextends away from cap 601 a in a substantially perpendicular directionand is designed for placement between module frames 108 a and 108 b. Insome embodiments, stop 601 b is configured to fictionally engage sidesof module frames 108 a and 108 b when placed between module frames 108 aand 108 b

Inner vertical leg 601 c, outer vertical leg 601 d, and intersectingvertical leg 601 e form a generally H-shaped member extending away fromcap 601 a in a substantially perpendicular direction. Inner and outervertical legs 601 c and 601 d may run substantially parallel to oneanother and substantially perpendicular to vertical leg 601 e thatextends in between inner and outer vertical legs 601 c and 601 d.

A portion of an inner surface of inner vertical leg 601 c includes rack601 g having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed bycomplementary teeth of pawl 602 d that form a ratchet when engaged witheach other (not shown) for permitting motion or mobility of plunger 601in only one direction. In some embodiments, the teeth form a sawtoothsurface having numerous diagonals surfaces between horizontal surfacesthat are substantially parallel to cap 601 a to engage a complementarysawtooth surface of pawl 302 d.

Base 602 could be defined with upper side 602 a having aperture 604 d,lower side 602 b, and inner side 602 c configured with pawl 602 d andreceptacle 602 e. Pawl 602 d extends through receptacle 602 e andincludes teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed bycomplementary teeth of rack 601 g; receptacle 602 e may have a size thatis sufficient enough to facilitate an insertion of aplunger-disengagement tool for disengaging pawl 602 d from acomplementary portion of rack 601 g when plunger 601 is extracted frombase 602. Pawl 602 d and a complementary portion of rack 601 g form aratchet when engaged with each other (not shown) for permitting motionin only one direction, i.e., an insertion of plunger 601 into base 602.To enable motion in the opposite direction, an outward pulling force maybe applied to pawl 602 d to move it away from rack 601 g and partiallyinto aperture 604 d, allowing for extraction of plunger 601 from base602.

Base 602 could include hook 603 and H-shaped receptacle 604 designed toaccept an insertion of vertical legs 601 c, 601 d, and 601 e. Receptacle604 is located outward of inner side 602 c and hook 603. Receptacle 604is defined by a substantially H-shaped cross-section and includes threeopenings 604 a, 604 b, and 604 c extending between and substantiallyperpendicular to upper side 602 a and lower side 602 b. In someembodiments, a ridge (e.g., ridge 302 f of FIG. 3A) may protrude intoopening 604 b, and teeth of pawl 602 d protrude into opening 604 a. Whenplunger 601 is inserted into base 602, a pinching force is imparted onboth inner vertical leg 601 c and outer vertical leg 601 d between theridge and the teeth of pawl 602 d.

When cable holder assembly 600 is placed between module frames 108 a and108 b, plunger 601 is inserted into receptacle 604 while lower surfaces601 fa and 601 fb of cap 601 a are placed above each upper surface 108 cof module frames 108 a and 108 b; during the insertion, stop 601 b andupper side 602 a of base 602 are held in position between module frames108 a and 108 b. As plunger 601 is being inserted, pawl 602 d contactscomplementary teeth of a portion of rack 601 g as rack 601 g begins topass by until the insertion is stopped when hook 603 reaches its desiredposition to receive and support one or more electrical cables.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate three perspective views and two side views ofseventh cable holder assembly 700 for placement between adjacent moduleframes 108 a and 108 b to facilitate a running for one or moreelectrical cables 102/104 within an array or grouping of solar modules.Cable holder assembly 700 may include plunger 701 and base 702.

Plunger 701 could include cap 701 a, stop 701 b, and a leg componentwhich includes vertical leg 701 c. Cap 701 a includes lower surfaces 701fa and 701 fb outward of stop 701 b. Stops 701 b extends away from cap701 a in a substantially perpendicular direction and are designed forplacement between module frames 108 a and 108 b. In some embodiments,stop 701 b is configured to fictionally engage sides of module frames108 a and 108 b when placed between module frames 108 a and 108 b.

Vertical leg 701 c is located in between stop 701 b and extends awayfrom lower surfaces 701 fa and 701 fb of cap 701 a in a substantiallyperpendicular direction. One surface of vertical leg 701 c includes rack701 g having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed bycomplementary teeth of pawl 702 d that form a ratchet when engaged witheach other (not shown) for permitting motion or mobility of plunger 701in only one direction. In some embodiments, the teeth form a sawtoothsurface having numerous diagonals surfaces between horizontal surfacesthat are substantially parallel to cap 701 a to engage a complementarysawtooth surface of pawl 702 d

Base 702 could be defined with upper side 702 a configured with ridge702 f, lower side 402 b, and outer side 402 c. Base 702 could includehook 703 and tiered receptacle 704 having upper receptacle with an upperopening 704 e and a contiguous, lower receptacle with a lower opening704 f. Receptacle 704 is located inward of outer side 702 c and outwardof hook 703. Lower opening 704 f is narrower than upper opening 704 e sothat the lower receptacle accommodates an insertion of vertical leg 701c, and upper opening 704 e is wider so that the upper receptacleaccommodates not only an insertion of vertical leg 701 c but also aninsertion of a plunger-disengagement tool between pawl 702 d and outerside 702 c for disengaging pawl 702 d from a complementary portion ofrack 701 g when plunger 701 is extracted from base 702.

Pawl 702 d includes teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formedby complementary teeth of rack 701 g. Pawl 702 d and a complementaryportion of rack 701 g form a ratchet when engaged with each other (notshown) for permitting motion in only one direction, i.e., an insertionof plunger 701 into base 702. To enable motion in the oppositedirection, pawl 702 d includes tab 702 e to which a downward force maybe applied from above to move pawl 702 d away from rack 701 g, allowingfor a disengagement of pawl 702 d from a complementary portion of rack701 g and an extraction of plunger 701 from base 702. Also, ridge 702 fand the teeth of pawl 702 d protrude upper receptacle as shown. Whenplunger 701 is inserted into base 702, a pinching force is imparted onvertical leg 701 c between ridge 702 f and the teeth of pawl 702 d.

When cable holder assembly 700 is placed between module frames 108 a and108 b, plunger 701 is inserted into receptacle 704 while lower surfaces701 fa and 701 fb of cap 701 a are placed above each upper surface 708 cof module frames 108 a and 108 b; during the insertion, stop 701 b andupper side 702 a of base 702 are held in position between module frames108 a and 108 b. As plunger 701 is being inserted, pawl 702 d contactscomplementary teeth of a portion of rack 701 g as rack 701 g begins topass by until the insertion is stopped when hook 703 reaches its desiredposition to receive and support one or more electrical cables.

FIG. 8 illustrates four perspective views of eighth cable holderassembly 800 for placement between adjacent module frames 108 a and 108b to facilitate a running for one or more electrical cables 102/104within an array or grouping of solar modules. Cable holder assembly 800may include plunger 801 and base 802.

Plunger 801 could include cap 801 a, stops 801 ba and 801 bb, and a legcomponent which includes inner vertical leg 801 c, outer vertical leg801 d, and intersecting vertical leg 801 e. Cap 801 a includes lowersurfaces 801 fa and 801 fb in between stops 801 ba and 801 bb and innervertical leg 801 c. Stops 801 ba and 801 bb extend away from cap 801 ain a substantially perpendicular direction and are designed forplacement between module frames 108 a and 108 b. In some embodiments,stops 801 ba and 801 bb are configured to fictionally engage sides ofmodule frames 108 a and 108 b when placed between module frames 108 aand 108 b.

Inner vertical leg 801 c, outer vertical leg 801 d, and intersectingvertical leg 801 e form a generally H-shaped member extending away fromcap 801 a in a substantially perpendicular direction and substantiallyparallel to stops 801 ba and 801 bb. Inner and outer vertical legs 801 cand 801 d may run substantially parallel to one another andsubstantially perpendicular to vertical leg 801 e that extends inbetween inner and outer vertical legs 801 c and 801 d.

Similar to the discussions presented above, a portion of an outersurface of outer vertical leg 801 d could include a rack (not shown)having teeth adapted to fall into notches or spaces formed bycomplementary teeth of a pawl (not shown) that form a ratchet whenengaged with each other (not shown) for permitting motion or mobility ofplunger 801 in only one direction. In some embodiments, the teeth form asawtooth surface having numerous diagonals surfaces between horizontalsurfaces that are substantially parallel to cap 801 a to engage acomplementary sawtooth surface of the pawl.

Similar to the discussions presented above, base 802 could be definedwith upper side 802 a, lower side 802 b, inner side 802 c, and an outerside (not shown). Base 802 could include hooks 803 a and 803 b (i.e.,cable holders) and receptacle 804 located in between inner side 802 cand the outer side and designed to accept an insertion of vertical legs801 b, 801 c, and 801 d; it should be noted that, although not shown,receptacle 804 could be an H-shaped receptacle.

Base 802 could be defined with upper side 802 a, lower side 802 b, andouter side 802 c. Base 802 could include hooks 803 a and 803 b, andreceptacle 804 designed to accept an insertion of vertical legs 801 c,801 d, and 801 e. Receptacle 804 is located inward of hooks 803 a and803 b.

When cable holder assembly 800 is placed between module frames 108 a and108 b, plunger 801 is inserted into receptacle 804 while lower surfaces801 fa and 801 fb of cap 801 a are placed above each upper surface 108 cof module frames 108 a and 108 b; during the insertion, stops 801 ba and801 bb and upper side 802 a of base 802 are held in position betweenmodule frames 108 a and 108 b. As plunger 801 is being inserted, pawl802 d contacts complementary teeth of a portion of rack 801 g as rack801 g begins to pass by until the insertion is stopped when hook 803reaches its desired position to receive and support one or moreelectrical cables.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrates one perspective view and one side view,respectively, of solar component mounting system 900 in which a mount910 may be coupled to solar module frame 108 of FIG. 1A to facilitatemounting of a solar component 902 affixed to an interface 904 (e.g.,plate), where solar component 902 could be any component employed in anarray or grouping of solar modules. In some embodiments, solar component902 could be a Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE), typically anoptimizer or microinverter product in a smallish enclosure.

FIGS. 9C through 9F illustrate one perspective view, one top view, andtwo side views, respectively, of mount 910 for facilitating the couplingof solar component 902 to solar module frame 108. Mount 910 couldinclude upper body 911, lower body 912, and/or fastener 913.

Upper body 911 includes rounded pivoting end 911 a, clamping end 911 bhaving clamping surface 911 c, and a threaded aperture through which athreaded portion of fastener 913 extends. Clamping end 911 b extendsdownwardly and substantially perpendicular to upper body 911. Upper body911 is designed to pivot around pivoting end 911 a and move in acounter-clockwise direction when a tightening force is applied tofastener 913, drawing clamping surface 911 c to move downwardly towardslower body 912.

Lower body 912 includes rounded pivoting end enclosure 912 a, L-shapedmember 912 b, clamp attachment member 912 c, and an aperture thoughwhich fastener 913 extends towards the treaded aperture of upper body911. Pivoting end enclosure 912 a is designed to provide an enclosurewithin which pivoting end 911 a may pivot. L-shaped member 912 b extendsupwardly from lower body 912 b to form slot 912 d into which lowermember 108 e of module frame 108 may be slid when mount 910 is coupledto module frame 108. Clamp attachment member 912 c extends substantiallyradially away from pivoting end enclosure 912 a to provide a surface towhich clip 912 e may be engaged. When engaged, clip 912 e may be used tosecure cable(s) passing within the array or grouping of solar modules.

Fastener 913 could include lock washer 913 a and spring 913 b. In someembodiments, lock washer 913 a may include serrations that engage alower surface of plate 904. Spring 913 b may be employed to pre-loadsolar component 902 to plate 904.

When mounting system 900 is employed, plate 904 to which solar component902 is affixed may be placed against lower body 912 and fastener 913 maybe inserted through plate 904 (configured with an aperture or a slotthrough which fastener 913 may extend) and the aperture of lower body912 to engage the aperture of upper body 911. As a tightening force isapplied, plate 904 is drawn towards lower body 912 until lock washer 913a engages lower body 912. Then, lower member 108 e of module frame 108may be slid into slot 912 d. When the tightening force is furtherapplied, clamping surface 911 c is drawn downwardly towards lower body912 until the desired amount of clamping force is applied to lower body912 by upper body 911 through clamping surface 911 c.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate one perspective view and one side view of amember formed into cable or wire hook 1000 as shown. The cable hook 1000is formed so that a pair of outer portions comprised of first, second,and third segments may be placed on top sides of the module frames 108enclosing solar panels 106, as shown, while the middle of the cable hook1000 forms a channel (e.g., a U-shape) that occupies a first plane andis placed between vertical sides of the adjacent module frames 108 usingthe pair of outer portions which occupy a second plane substantiallyperpendicular to the first plane and extending outward from ends of thechannel.

As shown, a first segment extends in the same plane as the channel andoutward from an end of the channel until reaching a first turn. Then, asecond segment turns at the first turn and extends in a first directionsubstantially perpendicular to the first segment until reaching a secondturn. Then, a third segment turns at the second turn and extends is asecond direction substantially opposite to the first direction untilreaching an end of the member. When this occurs, the cable hook 1000 hasbeen placed into a position to support one or more electrical cables andfacilitate a running of the cable(s) between the vertical sides of theadjacent module frames 108 as shown. In some embodiments, the secondsegments may turn in opposite directions (not shown).

As used herein, the term “embodiment” means an embodiment that serves toillustrate by way of example but not limitation. It should be understoodthat the aspects, features and advantages made apparent from theforegoing are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may bemade in the disclosed inventive embodiments without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all mattercontained herein shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the precedingexamples and embodiments are exemplary and not limiting to the broadscope of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It is intended thatall modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, andimprovements thereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art upona reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are includedwithin the broad scope of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It istherefore intended that the following appended claims include all suchmodifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvementsfalling within the broad scope of the inventive concepts disclosedherein

What is claimed is:
 1. A component mounting assembly, comprising: anupper body comprised of a first aperture, a pivoting end, and a clampingend; a lower body comprised of a second aperture, a slot, and a pivotingend enclosure configured to receive the pivoting end; and a couplingdevice inserted into the first and second apertures and employed tocouple the lower body to the upper body, such that an interfacepositioned in the slot is clamped between the upper and lower bodieswhen subjected to a clamping force imparted by a tightening of thecoupling device.
 2. The component mounting assembly of claim 1, whereinthe interface is a frame member of a solar panel module.
 3. Thecomponent mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling device is athreaded fastener configured to engage threads of the second aperture.4. The component mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein an interfacepositioned between the lower body and the coupling device engages thelower body when the coupling device is tightened, where the interfacepositioned between the lower body and the coupling device is employedwith an electronics module of a solar power system.
 5. The componentmounting assembly of claim 4, wherein the coupling device includes alock washer and spring.
 6. The component mounting assembly of claim 1,wherein the lower body is further comprised of a member extending awayfrom the pivoting end enclosure.
 7. The component mounting assembly ofclaim 6, wherein the member is adapted to secure a cable of a solarpower system to the lower body.
 8. A cable support assembly, comprising:an upper body comprised of a first aperture; a lower body comprised of asecond aperture and a cable support member extending away from the lowerbody; and a coupling device inserted into the first and second aperturesand employed to couple the lower body to the upper body, such that theupper and the lower bodies are drawn towards each other and an interfacepositioned between the lower body and the coupling device engages thelower body when the coupling device is tightened.
 9. The cable supportassembly of claim _, wherein the interface is employed with anelectronics module of a solar power system.
 10. The cable supportassembly of claim _, wherein the coupling device includes a lock washerand spring.
 11. The cable support assembly of claim _, wherein the upperbody is further comprised of a pivoting end and a clamping end; thelower body is further comprised of a slot and a pivoting end enclosureconfigured to receive the pivoting end, such that the cable supportmember extends from the pivoting end enclosure, and an interfacepositioned in the slot is clamped between the upper and lower bodieswhen subjected to a clamping force imparted by the tightening.
 12. Thecable support assembly of claim _, wherein the interface positioned inthe slot is a frame member of a solar panel module.
 13. The cablesupport assembly of claim _, wherein the coupling device is a threadedfastener configured to engage threads of the second aperture.
 14. Amethod for employing a component mounting assembly, comprising:positioning an interface in a slot of an assembly comprised of an upperbody, a lower body, and a coupling device, where the upper body iscomprised of a first aperture, a pivoting end, and a clamping end; thelower body is comprised of a second aperture, the slot, and a pivotingend enclosure configured to receive the pivoting end; and the couplingdevice is inserted into the first and second apertures and employed tocouple the lower body to the upper body; and applying a force to thecoupling device, such that the interface is clamped between the upperand lower bodies when subjected to a clamping force imparted by atightening of the coupling device.
 15. The method of claim 14, whereinthe interface is a frame member of a solar panel module.
 16. The methodof claim 14, wherein the coupling device is a threaded fastenerconfigured to engage threads of the second aperture.
 17. The method ofclaim 14, wherein an interface positioned between the lower body and thecoupling device engages the lower body when the coupling device istightened, where the interface positioned between the lower body and thecoupling device is employed with an electronics module of a solar powersystem.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the coupling device includesa lock washer and spring.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the lowerbody is further comprised of a member extending away from the pivotingend enclosure.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the member is adaptedto secure a cable of a solar power system to the lower body.